Maui Vacation Travel Blog

Maui, Hawaii is one of the top vacation destinations in the world. Both guests and residents of our island paradise take pride in its diverse landscapes and all it has to offer. We offer Maui travel tips, area spotlights, activities, events and more!

Maui Vacation Places to See - Makawao

Makawao is a quaint little town on the lower slopes of Haleakala. It, along with several other towns, is considered part of the upcountry Maui area. We have chosen this interesting little spot for a blog because it is unique and fun.

Makawao looks like a snapshot out of the old west, but with encroaching jungle nearby. Yes, it is an odd combination, but that's what makes it special. The main street is Baldwin Avenue, and the shops lining it are what really gives it that old western feel. Their historic structures are reminders of bygone days when ranching was the primary use of upcountry Maui. Some ranching is still done today, of course, so the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture is very strong in Makawao.

Now, some of the rustic buildings in Makawao are filled with art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, and spas, but some are filled by feed stores and riding gear. There are still hitching posts along the main drag that act as another reminder of its ranching history.

Aside from the interesting places to explore within Makawao Town, the weather is generally warm, and low billowing clouds roll in regularly to mist its slopes with drizzle. Seeing rainbows here is common.

One of the best things about Makawao is the food. If you want some incredible nachos, try Polli's, or if you are looking for tasty Italian food in the evening or incredible deli food and sandwiches during the day, go to Cassanova's. If you want a great steak, try Makawao Steakhouse.

As for how to get there, it will take about an hour if you are driving from one of our Kaanapali vacation rentals. If you are staying at one of our Lahaina rentals, you'll shave off a few minutes from your trip. And speaking of Maui accommodations, let us know if you need any assistance. You'll find our contact information at the bottom of the page. Mahalo!

While we normally blog about how to make the most of a vacation to Maui, such as activities to try, places to see and things to do, sometimes our visitors aren't satisfied with just being visitors anymore.

Makawao is a quaint little town on the lower slopes of Haleakala. It, along with several other towns, is considered part of the upcountry Maui area. We have chosen this interesting little spot for a blog because it is unique and fun.

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